KPI-JCI Named Patriotic Employer Again
Company recognized for its support of employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.
Kolberg-Pioneer, Inc. (KPI-JCI) has been recognized as a “Patriotic Employer” for its support of employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.
The company, along with Maintenance Supervisor Randy Blunck, was honored for its contributions to America’s national security and protection of liberty and freedom by the South Dakota Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR) organization. Blunck and Kolberg-Pioneer, Inc. (KPI-JCI) were nominated by Mechanic Wade Peterson, who is a sergeant in the DET 1 147th FSC National Guard unit.
Peterson, who has worked for Kolberg-Pioneer, Inc. (KPI-JCI) for the past six months, said he nominated Blunck because he appreciates the support given to him by the company when he’s required to be away from his civilian job.
“It’s a good job, and he’s a good boss,” Peterson said. “It means a lot to me to have the support of my employer and be able to pay the bills and have a good job.”
This is the third time Kolberg-Pioneer, Inc. (KPI-JCI) has been recognized as a Patriotic Employer by the South Dakota ESGR. The company earned the honor last year when Matthew Schmidt, an equipment operator, nominated Traffic Manager Todd Rothenberger.
Kolberg-Pioneer, Inc. (KPI-JCI) employs 63 men and women who have served or are currently serving in the military. The ESGR is a Department of Defense organization that was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve component members and their civilian employers.
Blunck said Kolberg-Pioneer, Inc. (KPI-JCI) has an exemplary past employment history with members of the National Guard in South Dakota and surrounding states. In addition to being thankful for their service to the nation, Blunck also said he values the skills they bring from their military experience that benefit the company.
“I was honored when I learned that I was going to receive the Patriotic Employer Award,” Blunck said. “I feel that it is our duty to do everything we can for Wade while he is serving our country. Wade has the mechanical skills we were looking for to do the job. After we got to know Wade, we found he is very professional and has a lot more skills than we had anticipated.”
Click here to learn more about the Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve organization.
